Impact of managing atherogenic dyslipidemia on cardiovascular outcome across different stages of diabetic nephropathy

Abstract

Importance of the field: The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increasing. In turn, both CKD and T2DM are associated with increased risk of vascular events and progression to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). In patients with DM, statin treatment can significantly improve estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) or delay eGFR decline as well as significantly reduce CVD morbidity and mortality. In contrast, statins do not seem to decrease events in patients with advanced decline in kidney function.

Areas covered in this review: This review considers the effects of statins and other lipid lowering drugs on kidney function and vascular events in patients with CKD and T2DM.

What the reader will gain: Greater awareness of the links between CKD, T2DM, kidney function and vascular risk as well as the role of lipid-lowering drugs (mainly statins) in this field.

Take home message: Current evidence points towards the need to prescribe statins in patients with T2DM before a major decline in kidney function occurs.